Fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting the return of Ai Yazawa, the legendary mangaka whose much-loved manga has been on a long hiatus. Recently, she’s thrilled her followers with a stunning new illustration of “Nana,” her popular romance series. The series has been on pause for over a decade, leaving fans with no new content, but now they’re all buzzing about an exciting upcoming collaboration.
It’s official: Ai Yazawa is teaming up with the big name clothing brand, UNIQLO, for a new line of stylish t-shirts. One of the designs features a fresh illustration by Yazawa herself, possibly one of her best yet. This artwork showcases Nana Osaki, one of the main characters from Nana, alongside Nana “Hachi” Komatsu. The illustration is lovely, and fans were especially touched by the detail of Nana’s t-shirt reading “Hachiko,” Hachi’s nickname.
Yazawa’s UNIQLO Collection Is a Must-Grab
This collection marks the celebration of Yazawa’s impressive 40-year career in the manga industry, featuring t-shirts from all her notable series. You’ll find designs from Nana, Neighborhood Story, Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai, and Paradise Kiss. For Nana fans, there are two special shirts: one with her new illustration, and the other showcasing the Black Stones band. Thanks to Yazawa’s flair for fashion and style, every piece looks amazing.
The exact launch date for the Ai Yazawa collection isn’t out yet, but it’s expected to drop in early July 2025. The shirts will be priced at about 1500 Yen each, around $10. Considering Yazawa’s popularity, they’ll likely fly off the shelves, so fans should be ready to grab theirs quickly.
Will Nana Make a Comeback?
There’s still uncertainty about the full return of the series, but fans have a reason to be hopeful since Yazawa has expressed interest in drawing again. In a 2022 interview with Da Vinci, she mentioned that her art exhibition positively impacted her health, sparking her desire to continue Nana, even if in small increments. This latest illustration is an encouraging sign that she’s still passionate about the story of the two intertwined Nanas.
Stay tuned for the release of the Ai Yazawa collection, and be ready to make a purchase once it’s out.
